According to the most recent census, the number of Jews living below the poverty line has increased by 4,500 — growing from 19,745 in 2001 to 24,315 in 2011. This represents a 23% growth — the first time in a generation that the percentage of Jews living in poverty has increased. As a community, we have a bold vision to end Jewish poverty.

Our method for eliminating poverty in our community is to mobilize the largest ever coalition of Jewish and secular organizations and different sectors. The group will unite through a Collective Impact process that will focus on the many aspects of this complex social problem. Specific initiatives will be developed for particularly at risk populations including as seniors and Holocaust survivors and children, youth and families.

Our initial work will focus on improving the quality of life and sense of well-being for Jewish individuals and families living in poverty in the GTA by 2020. The longer term goal will be to reduce the number of Jewish poor in the GTA.

Current Value

Target

Number of Jewish people in households living below the poverty line in the GTA

24,315

By 2025, we will reduce the number of Jewish people living in poverty in the GTA by 10%

Percentage of Jewish people in households living below the poverty line in the GTA

12.90%

11.60%

Number of agencies participating in the Collective Impact initiative

5

10

Research study on the Face of Jewish poverty

Completed poverty study

• Dissemination of findings
• Awareness raising
• Building support

Develop initiative for seniors and Holocaust survivors

Developed Door to Door concept

Implement Door to Door initiative that will reach 1800 vulnerable seniors and Holocaust survivors in 3 years

Develop initiative for children, youth and families

Developing concept

Develop initiative that will reach children, youth and families and begin implementation